Cartoon stickers in a child's room, decorative vinyl decals, posters held up with tape: sooner or later the wall needs clearing. The main worry is always the same: how to remove the sticker and its glue without lifting paint or wallpaper.
Alcohol, acetone and nail polish remover often dissolve the paint as well as the glue, leaving marks. Soapy water is safer but weak, so you end up scrubbing again and again, which is what damages the finish. It is far easier to soften the glue with WD-40 and let it work for a few minutes.
What you will need
Important: Test WD-40 on a hidden patch of wall first: matt emulsion paint and paper wallpaper may show a dark mark. On wallpaper, apply the product only to the sticker itself and use as little as possible.
Step 1
Prepare the product and the area
Look at the sticker: a large vinyl decal can often be lifted by a corner, while small paper stickers tear and need full treatment. Lay a cloth or newspaper below so drips do not land on the floor or skirting board.
Step 2
Apply WD-40 to the sticker
Spray WD-40 Smart Straw through the thin straw precisely onto the sticker. A large sticker can be treated just at the edges to make lifting easier, while a small one that tears into pieces is best soaked completely. Avoid flooding the wall around it.
Step 3
Give it 5-7 minutes
Do not rush to peel straight away. In 5-7 minutes the formula works under the paper or vinyl and weakens the bond between glue and surface. This wait is what saves effort and protects the paint.
Step 4
Peel the sticker gently
Lift the softened edge with a fingernail and pull slowly at a sharp angle to the wall. Wipe off glue residue with a soft sponge using light strokes. If the sticker is old and stubborn, apply WD-40 Multi-Use again and wait a few more minutes.
Step 5
Remove product residue
Wipe the area with a sponge dampened in warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid, then dry it with a clean cloth. This leaves no greasy mark and the paint looks even.
Tip: If a sticker has been on a sunny wall for years, the paint underneath may be lighter or darker than around it. That is not damage but uneven fading, and only touch-up paint will fix it, so plan sticker removal alongside any redecorating.
What next
The same method works on doors, wardrobes, fridges and mirrors. A can of WD-40 Multi-Use around the house is also handy for squeaky hinges and stiff locks, so keep it within reach.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».